Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is quite similar to green roofs.It combines the aspects of green roofs and alternative energy as well as making the building as efficient as possible.It also helps to reuse previously used building materials.The whole point is to make a building that affects the environment in the least way possible. In 1994, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was made to set standards for the design of eco-friendly buildings in the future.The basic qualifications include:1.Sustainable site development involves the reuse of other buildings and preservation of the environment.2.Using earth shelters, roof gardens, and extensive planting throughout and around building is encouraged. 3.Conserve water by cleaning and reusing previously used water.Rainwater should be caught and used as well. 4.Energy efficiency can be increased by taking advantage of the seasons (using the sun to heat the building, etc.).5.Use alternative energy resources that are regionally appropriate, such as solar, wind, or geothermal power.6.Materials used to build should be locally sourced and free from harmful chemicals. 7.Control over personal space, ventilation, temperature control, and use of materials should not emit toxic gases such as carbon dioxide. These requirements help to make the building as eco-friendly as possible and help to set the standard for what a sustainable energy building is.These buildings support themselves completely.They produce their own electricity, collect rainwater, and take advantage of natural heating and cooling.They also help to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions by the way the electricity is produced and what the building are made of.All of the buildings are made of reused material.They are always put in locations that they will affect the environment in the least way.Their electricity is produced from wind and sunlight using small household wind turbines and installing solar panels on the roofs.As well as these parts, they are required to have plants planted on and inside of them.These plants will absorb the Carbon Dioxide that is produced and give the building back oxygen for its inhabitants.Normal skyscrapers and living developments emit a lot of Carbon Dioxide.Engineers believe these developments will be sustainable and green.They will produce for themselves and barely affect the environment.These buildings haven’t taken off yet compared to solar and wind energy, but in the future, the integration of green technologies will help the planet to reduce Carbon Dioxide and slow Global Warming.